Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is a hearty, comforting twist on the traditional stuffed cabbage rolls — but without all the rolling. It’s everything I love about the classic dish layered into one easy-to-assemble casserole: tender cabbage, savory ground beef, rice, and a rich tomato sauce. I love how it delivers all the same cozy flavors with way less effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me all the nostalgic comfort of stuffed cabbage rolls without the time-consuming prep. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week. Every layer soaks up the tomato-rich sauce, and the beef and rice mixture makes it hearty and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish I crave when I want something warm, filling, and familiar.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Cooked white rice
• Green cabbage, chopped
• Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth or water
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika (optional)
• Italian seasoning or dried herbs
• Shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and sauté the onion until softened, then add the garlic and cook for a minute more.
3. I add the ground beef and cook until browned, seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs.
4. Once the beef is cooked through, I stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and a bit of broth to create a flavorful sauce.
5. I mix in the cooked rice and set the meat mixture aside.
6. In a large pot, I boil chopped cabbage for about 5 minutes until just tender, then drain.
7. In a greased casserole dish, I layer half the cabbage, then spread half the beef and rice mixture over it. I repeat with the remaining cabbage and meat.
8. I cover with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes. If I’m using cheese, I uncover the casserole for the last 10 minutes and sprinkle it on top until melted and bubbly.
9. I let it rest for 10 minutes before serving and garnish with fresh parsley if I have it.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey . For a spicier version, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage. I’ve also made it low-carb by replacing the rice with cauliflower rice. If I want more veggies, I mix in chopped carrots or bell peppers with the beef.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the microwave or oven. This casserole also freezes beautifully — I wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked rice in this casserole?

I recommend using cooked rice, as it ensures the texture is perfect and keeps the casserole from becoming too watery.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. I assemble the whole casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it up to a day in advance. I just bake it when I’m ready to serve.

What type of cabbage works best?

I use green cabbage, but savoy cabbage also works. I chop it roughly and pre-cook it so it’s tender in the final bake.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. I swap the beef for lentils or a plant-based ground and use vegetable broth. It’s still super hearty and full of flavor.

Should I use shredded cheese on top?

It’s totally optional, but I love adding mozzarella or cheddar for an extra comforting touch. It melts into a golden, bubbly layer that’s hard to resist.

Conclusion

Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is one of my favorite no-fuss comfort meals — it has all the flavor of classic cabbage rolls, but it’s so much easier to make. I love how hearty, flavorful, and satisfying it is, and how it’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or freezing for later. It’s a dish I turn to again and again when I want cozy food without the hassle.

Print